News

First Edition

Book collectors seek out first editions as they represent the original form in which a book was originally published.

Signed and inscribed copies are even more desirable, and the ‘dedication copy’ – the copy which is inscribed to the person to whom the author dedicated the book – is more sought after still.

Dealer offers Hilary Mantel’s desk used to write Wolf Hall trilogy

28 April 2025

Among the attractions at this year’s ‘Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair’ on May 15-18 is the desk upon which Hilary Mantel wrote her celebrated ‘Wolf Hall’ trilogy.

Travel the globe with rare book dealer's latest catalogue

12 March 2025

Shapero Rare Books deals in antiquarian and rare books and works on paper. Its Travel Catalogue 2025 is an adventure around the world

Agatha Christie first edition on offer at Harrogate Book Fair

10 March 2025

To mark the new-look Harrogate Book Fair dealer Anthony Smithson of The Keel Row Bookshop in Whitley Bay will be offering for sale a 1948 first edition of the Hercule Poirot novel 'Taken At the Flood' signed by Agatha Christie.

Pick of the Week: Peter Rabbit second printing prized

24 February 2025

Turned down by several publishers, Beatrix Potter shouldered the expense of privately printing The Tale of Peter Rabbit with Strangeways Printers in December 1901.

Works in Architecture by Robert and James Adam

Book that inspired neoclassical architecture in the UK to appear at Dreweatts

17 February 2025

'Works in Architecture' by Robert and James Adam is considered by many as the 18th century’s most important book on architecture

Lord of the Rings full signed set makes six figures at Forum

10 February 2025

Forum Auctions has set a record for a copy of JRR Tolkien’s 'The Lord of the Rings'.

Harry Potter first edition earmarked for the bin now set for auction

24 January 2025

A first edition copy of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' found on a pile of books earmarked for the bin is set to go to auction.

Lots illustrating Captain Cook’s fatal third voyage to appear at Forum Auctions

15 January 2025

A first edition book documenting the voyage by a crew member is on offer at Forum Auctions

First-hand account of ill-fated whaleship that inspired Moby-Dick heads to auction

09 January 2025

A first-hand account documenting the 1820 sinking of American whaleship the Essex heads to auction on January 16.

One to watch: Christie’s to offer Barry Humphries collection in 2025

19 December 2024

One of the lesser known facts about the comedian, entertainer and TV personality Barry Humphries was his erudite art collecting.

'Unlikely to ever be equalled': Justin Schiller's remarkable collection of Mao's Little Red Books offered for £1m at Firsts Hong Kong

27 November 2024

From the world’s largest collection of the Little Red Book to the first atlas of China made in Europe, London's book dealers are bringing rare pieces of history to Hong Kong

Agatha Christie collection detects high demand

18 November 2024

Highlights from the The Detective Fiction Collection of John Cooper offered at Forum

Tolkien Rings trilogy shines bright

04 November 2024

Copies of the Lord of the Rings trilogy just don’t get much better than the set shown here.

Pratchett’s first flight of Discworld fantasy

07 October 2024

The inaugural sale at Rare Book Auctions (26.5% buyer’s premium) in Lichfield included this signed and inscribed first printing of Terry Pratchett’s 'The Colour of Magic'.

EH Shepard Wind in the Willows illustration among Forum Auctions sale highlights

02 October 2024

A selection of important British works were on offer at Forum Auctions, including these four highlights that hammered over estimate

First English edition of The Prince doubles estimate in Essex

26 September 2024

A rare copy of the first English edition of Niccolo Machiavelli’s seminal 1532 book 'The Prince' was snapped up at an auction in Colchester.

Harry Potter 1St Edition Paperback Front

Soft cover Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone bought for £3.50 in 1997 now hammers at £6600 in auction

11 September 2024

The bad news if you have a first edition of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' in soft covers is that they are not as rare as the hardback version which numbered 500 copies.

Charles Dickens first issue in book form delivers great result

02 September 2024

'Great Expectations' first appeared in England in 36 weekly parts in the pages of Charles Dickens’ popular magazine, All the Year Round, beginning on December 1, 1860.